Conference: Realistic Standards for Decisions
Funded by a grant from the National Science Foundation
University of Missouri-Columbia, Life Sciences Center (LSC)
Paul Weirich, Director
Description:
Much of classical decision theory relies on idealizations about decision makers and their decision problems. For example, it is common to suppose that decision makers are cognitively unlimited and that precise probabilities and utilities attach to options' possible outcomes. Recent work removes some of the idealizations and extends decision principles to cases in which decision makers and decision problems are nonideal. This conference explores methods of adding realism to decision principles. Both empirical and normative studies of decision making contribute to this project. The journal Synthese will publish the conference proceedings in a special issue. The conference is free and open to all. Please register by April 18th (see details below).
Speakers:
Raymond Dacey, University of Idaho
Stephen Ellis, University of Oklahoma
Mark Kaplan, Indiana University
Adam Morton, University of Alberta
Jose Luis Bermudez, Washington University in St. Louis
Paul Weirich, University of Missouri
Schedule: (downloadable pdf file)
FRIDAY, APRIL 25TH
All events on Friday, with the exception of the evening reception, are in the Life Sciences Center, Room 121.
9:30-10:00: Opening Assembly
10:00-12:00: "Utility and Framing," Paul Weirich, University of Missouri; Chair: Stephen Ellis, University of Oklahoma
12:00-2:00: Lunch Break
2:00-4:00: "Human Bounds," Adam Morton, University of Alberta; Chair: Peter Markie, University of Missouri
4:00-4:30: Coffee Break
4:30-6:30: "Pitfalls for Realistic Decision Theory: An Illustration from Sequential Choice", Jose Luis Bermudez, Washington University in St. Louis; Chair: Andrew Melnyk, University of Missouri
6:30-7:30: Reception, Room Research Display Lobby, first floor, Life Sciences Center
SATURDAY, APRIL 26TH
All events on Saturday, with the exception of the evening reception, are in the Life Sciences Center, Room 572.
9:30-10:00: Assembly
10:00-12:00: "Social Norms and the Traditional Deterrence Game," Raymond Dacey, University of Idaho; Chair: Brian Kierland, University of Missouri
12:00-2:00: Lunch Break
2:00-4:00: "In Defense of Modest Probabilism," Mark Kaplan, Indiana University; Chair: Peter Vallentyne, University of Missouri
4:00-4:30: Coffee Break
4:30-6:30: "Market Hegemony and Economic Theory," Stephen Ellis, University of Oklahoma; Chair: Sara Chant, University of Missouri
6:30-7:30: Closing Reception, Room Research Display Lobby, first floor, Life Sciences Center
The conference proceedings will include papers entitled "A Resource-Bounded Agent Addresses the Newcomb Problem" by John Pollock of the University of Arizona and "Behaving as Expected: Public Information and Fairness Norms" by Cristina Bicchieri of the University of Pennsylvania.
Registration and Hotels
To register, send send an email to Christopher Haugen . Provide your name and school affiliation (if applicable).
Here is a list of hotels or B&B's in the area:
Holiday Inn Select
Regency Hotel Downtown
Stoney Creek Inn
University Avenue Bed and Breakfast
Taylor House B&B